2022 Chevrolet Tahoe vs Dodge Durango

With larger families in mind, three-row SUVs have seen an incredible rise in popularity for providing adequate space and practical amenities. The 2022 Chevrolet Tahoe is a beloved family favorite that has been around the block, while the Dodge Durango - now with its standard third row - is becoming more popular as of late and warrants consideration when it comes to bigger households. This guide will provide buyers with important information on how these two options differ from each other so they can make their choice wisely.

The Powertrain

The 2022 Tahoe is a powerful, versatile option for those who want power and agility. Its 5.3L V8 engine delivers 355-horsepower with 383 lb-ft of torque to provide an exhilarating driving experience - but that's not all! For those looking for even more oomph the 6.2L V8 maintains impressive output at 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque on select trim levels while the diesel 3.0 Turbocharged six cylinder offers signature durability with 277 horses and 460 lbs worth of twisty road ready fun—all standard except Z71 performance level trims.

Like the Tahoe, the 2022 Durango offers three thrilling engine options. Starting with a 3.6L V6 pumping out 295-hp, upgrade to a 5.7L V8 that ups the ante by providing 360 hp or take it up another notch and go all in on 475-hp produced from its 6.4L SRT powertrain.

So, while the entry-level Tahoe is faster than the entry-level Durango, the top trim of the Dodge SUV is faster than any version of the Chevy SUV. All of the Tahoe engines pair with a 10-speed automatic transmission. For the Durango, Dodge goes with an eight-speed automatic across the board. Each of these SUVs has rear-wheel drive standard on most trim levels and all-wheel drive available.

Drivers lucky enough to have their hands on a 2022 Tahoe can enjoy the massive 8,400-pound tow capacity with its standard V8 and optional towing package. That amount of power is only average for large SUVs; however, midsize owners should take notice that the Dodge Durango's 6.4L or 5.7L V8 engine when paired with the same package will give them an even more impressive 8,700 pounds of hauling potential - besting out larger competitors like Chevy’s very own Tahoe.

With fuel efficiency as the goal, few vehicles offer more bang for your buck than the Tahoe with its diesel engine. Competitively priced and offering up to 21mpg in city driving conditions along with 28 mpg on highways, it's an attractive option for those looking to save big at the pump compared to V8 alternatives from Dodge Durango - whose 5.7L and 6.4L engines are respectively estimated at 14-22 mpg city/highway and 13-19 mpg city/highway stats.

Drivability

The Tahoe is an SUV that belongs on the open highway, its truck-based frame giving it a slight bit of body roll during turns - but luckily its steering wheel offers great weight and balance. And with two available suspension options in adaptive magnetic ride control or air suspension to ensure a smooth drive all around, you can take full advantage of the road.

On the other hand, while taking tight corners might be hard for some thanks to Durango's wide turning radius and heavier steering wheel responsiveness - once out on longer stretches no bump will stand in your way as this model delivers fantastic shock absorption capabilities.

The Chevrolet Tahoe makes a bold statement when it comes to cargo space. With an impressive 25 cubic feet of storage behind its third row alone, there's more than enough room for even the most extensive grocery hauls or extended off-road getaways. By comparison, the Dodge Durango offers slightly less cargo capacity - 17 cubes in its 3rd row and 43 cubes at its 2nd - yet still provides plenty of versatility for everyday errands and adventures alike.

Moving onto the infotainment setups of these vehicles, the Tahoe has an 8-inch touchscreen standard. The one in the Durango is slightly larger, measuring at 8.4-inches. Both of these SUVs come with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but the Tahoe comes standard with the wireless versions. The Durango has only four USB ports standard, while the Tahoe has at least eight.

Both of the SUVs offer an infotainment system upgrade. Starting with the LT, the Tahoe comes with a 10.2-inch touchscreen and wireless device charging. Optional on select Durango models is the Premium Group I package, which has a 10.1-inch touchscreen, wireless device charging, navigation, and more.

The number of seats may be the deciding factor in some cases. In its standard configuration, the Tahoe can seat eight. Exclusive to the entry-level trim is the option of having a first-row bench, which will actually expand the seating to nine. The Durango, on the other hand, can only seat up to seven. Both of these SUVs come with tri-zone automatic climate control to help keep everyone comfortable.

When it comes to legroom and headroom, the Tahoe is spacious in all three rows. At the same time, the seats are a bit lacking when it comes to cushion and support. The Durango has more comfortable seats, and adults will find the first and second rows to have enough room to stretch out. As for the third row, the Durango offers more space than many midsize SUVs, but it is more cramped than the one in the Tahoe.

Safety

When comparing test scores from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, these SUVs performed similarly. The 2022 Tahoe received an overall score of four out of five stars. It earned four stars for frontal collisions, five stars for side crash tests, and only three stars in rollover testing.

The Durango also received a score of four out of five stars in 2022. Looking closer, buyers will find that this SUV got four stars in a frontal collision and five stars in the side crash test as well. With the standard rear-wheel drive, the Durango manages to get four stars in rollover testing. Models with all-wheel drive go down to three stars, however.

As far as advanced driver aids go, the Tahoe has more on its standard feature list. It includes forward-collision mitigation, automatic high beams, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and both front and rear parking sensors. The Tahoe also comes standard wtih Buckle to Drive, Chevy's program that prevents the SUV from shifting out of park until the driver has buckled their seat belt. Teen Driver, a program designed for parents to have some control when their teenager is at the wheel, is also included.

Rear parking sensors and a rearview camera are on the standard feature list for the Durango. Interestingly, this SUV also comes with blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, which is merely optional for the Tahoe. Automatic high beams, front parking sensors, and forward collision mitigation are all available for select Durango models.

Adaptive cruise control is optional for both the Tahoe and the Durango. The Chevy Tahoe also offers a head-up display, a surround-view camera system, and a rearview mirror camera. It can also be equipped with a safety alert seat that vibrates to grab the driver's attention.

Which Has the Best Value?

With the Tahoe proving to be a high-end, yet reasonable choice amongst large SUVs and starting at around $50K, it comes with plenty of features that make this purchase worth every penny. Compared to its 'little brother' Durango which starts from just under $36K or even over $60K for the V8 top trim level version - those extra funds go towards more cargo space and advanced power engineering as well as driver aids anyone would love having on board.

Choosing a car isn't just about picking the one with the best looks - it's important to consider long-term costs as well. While typically, depreciation is an essential factor in this decision, that doesn’t hold true for comparing entry level Tahoe and Durango SXT models. The latter will see significantly less money lost during its first five years on top of having lower initial pricing when compared to the former – approximately $25K versu $12.5K respectively.

Both the Tahoe and Durango offer great fuel efficiency, but buyers can expect to spend an estimated $3,100 less on gas with a V6-powered Durango over five years. Repair costs for both vehicles hover around the same amount per year -- $750 each--but you'll save money with your maintenance bill if you go for the Dodge; it's about 25% cheaper at around $3,500 compared to its Chevy counterpart of approximately $4K.

What if drivers are interested in the performance-oriented versions of these SUVs? Comparing the four-wheel-drive versions of the Tahoe RST and the Durango SRT can be useful. For the Tahoe, buyers can expect to pay around $18,825 in fuel. At the same time, they would pay a painful $21,000 on fuel if they choose the Durango SRT. These numbers are assuming that the SUVs are driven around 15,000 miles each year.

Again, the repair estimates for the Tahoe RST and Durango SRT are very similar. Buyers will shell out around $820 on either. As far as maintenance goes, the Tahoe RST will cost around $4,300, while the Tahoe SRT will cost around $5,300.

Which is Better?

The 2022 Chevrolet Tahoe is an attractive SUV choice for those looking to maximize their cargo space, but the relatively high price tag and sharp depreciation may steer thrifty buyers away. For budget-minded drivers seeking a midsize three-row option, the Dodge Durango offers impressive power and undeniably low starting prices; however sacrificing some fuel economy plus its less than stellar maneuverability must be factored into consumers' decisions.

For drivers looking for the perfect balance between style and practicality, it can be tough to make a decision. The 2022 Chevrolet Tahoe is an ideal choice for families seeking sophistication, while those on tighter budgets may find that there are plenty of benefits in opting for the Dodge Durango instead. With its own brand of stylish practicality comes potentially lower costs - but only budgeting and priorities will determine which vehicle best suits your needs.